ABSTRACT
Background: COVID-19 pandemic was declared as a global emergency affecting all aspects of clinical practices including medical education. In this study, we surveyed the staff trainers of the Saudi Arabia residency anesthesia program 6 months into the COVID-19 to formulate an assessment plan of the residency training program during the pandemic. Aims: The aim of this project was to study the effects of COVID-19 disaster on the Saudi Anesthesia Training program as assessed by the trainers and synthesize recommendations to address the identified gaps in the current and any future disasters. Methods: We deployed a survey 6 months into the pandemic targeting trainers of the Saudi residency program. Using a mixed design method, our survey had 3 main sections: 1) COVID-19 pandemic impact on the residency program, 2) interventions to decrease the impact, 3) and demographics. Results: We had 55 responses including 33 program directors (%83 of programs in the kingdom). More than 50% reported the clinical exposure for trainees as inadequate. The core and obstetrics rotation were the least interrupted while subspecialties rotations were the most interrupted. Our respondents suggested online teaching, small group discussion and simulation as the top methods to adopt for the deficiencies. Also, they suggested changing the assessment and evaluation methods. Stress level among residents, as per trainers, was 7 out of 10 despite the available wellbeing resources. Conclusion: The real lesson to be learned and the eye opener from COVID-19 pandemic year to medical education institutes is the importance of establishing disaster backup plans for continuous education during a crisis. © 2021, American University of Beirut. All rights reserved.